Two Koreas begin clearing mines along DMZ

North and South Korea begin their work to remove landmines in the Panmunjeom Joint Security Area (JSA) and in other parts of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Cheorwon, Gangwon-do Province, on Oct. 1. (Korea.net DB)

By Lee Kyoung Miand Lee Hana

The two Koreas have begun to clear landmines in the Panmunjeom Joint Security Area (JSA) and on Arrowhead Ridge in Cheorwon, Gangwon-do Province.

The work began on Oct. 1, in line with agreements made in the Pyeongyang Joint Declaration of Sept. 2018, signed during the 2018 Inter-Korean Summit Pyeongyang.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, the removal work in the JSA is set to last for 20 days, starting from Oct. 1.

The work to eliminate landmines in Arrowhead Ridge in Cheorwon, the site of intense battles during the Korean War, will last from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30. The area extends into both Koreas, and the remains of some 200 South Korean troops, as well as 300 United Nations Command troops are estimated to be buried on the ridge.

“With the landmine removal operation as the starting point, the two Koreas will make joint efforts to ensure that the Pyeongyang Joint Declaration of Sept. 2018 is carried out systematically,” the Ministry said in a press release.